Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Local Discussions

Thursday 12 November 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government engaged with devolved Administrations, metro mayors, and local councils throughout the pandemic.
  • Minister acknowledged sacrifices made by people in York and confirmed restrictions will end on 2 December.
  • Government committed to understanding ongoing pressures faced by local resilience forums post-restriction period.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Darren Henry
NHS Local Government
Context

The question arises from discussions on how local leaders are engaging with the government to manage and respond to the ongoing pandemic.

Question

What recent discussions have the Government had with local leaders on tackling the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

At every stage of the pandemic, the UK Government have engaged with the devolved Administrations, metro mayors and local councils. Local resilience forums are at the frontline of providing the response to tackling covid-19, and the Government will continue to engage with local authorities to beat the virus.

Answered
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Q2 Julian Sturdy Con
NHS
Context

The question comes from concerns about the basis of York's restrictions being lifted, specifically whether they will be determined by local figures or wider regional decisions.

Question

With covid cases in York now well below the level they were when the city went into tier 2, can the Minister reassure me that the Government are listening closely to the feedback and case numbers they are receiving from the city authorities, and that York's restrictions from 2 December will be based on the local virus situation and local judgments?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

First of all, let me acknowledge the immense sacrifices that people in York and elsewhere around the country are making, and what people are having to endure. As the Prime Minister has made clear, the current restrictions will end on 2 December, and we will then return to a local and tiered approach. The Government will work with my hon. Friend and other local leaders in the area to determine the most appropriate response.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifically addressing York's future restrictions based on local data is not fully addressed.

How: Working With

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Q3 Damian Hinds Con East Hampshire
Children & Families Local Government
Context

The question relates to the commendation for local agency working during the pandemic and seeks a commitment from the government to understand ongoing pressures, especially those related to children's services.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend join me in commending the strong local agency working and local resilience forums, such as our own in Hampshire? Will the Government commit to working with local areas to really understand the pressures that, sadly, will persist even after this time?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

I am very pleased to join my right hon. Friend in sending thanks to Hampshire LRF and all the LRFs around the country, which are doing an incredible job in such difficult circumstances. We very much understand that they are in the frontline of this fight, and communications with them and with local authorities are vital.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to understanding ongoing pressures on children's services is not fully addressed.

How: Understanding Very Well

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Q4 Darren Henry
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from the need for local businesses to plan ahead based on government discussions about an exit strategy from lockdown.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend let us know what Government discussions are taking place about an exit strategy for lockdown, so that local businesses such as pubs and close contact businesses such as Skinderella in Broxtowe can plan ahead?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

I thank my hon. Friend for the work that he has done in recent weeks to stand up for individuals and businesses in his constituency. The Government do listen to all representations that are made, as we have seen in recent weeks—for example, over takeaway beer.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details of government discussions on an exit strategy from lockdown are not fully provided.

How: Listening To

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